"Darkness Responds"

"The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him." (Psalms 37:32) You really do not have to try that hard to see this verse associated with Jesus and how the Jews always followed Him looking for a way to catch Him at something they could use against Him; several times they even tried to lay hands on Him, yet He always seemed to slip away through the crowds. There is just something about the Light that causes darkness to respond in one way or another; either there will be a response of surrender, or there will be a fight to close it off, as to not let the darkness be disturbed by it. Jesus explained this very plainly to Nicodemus, as He said, "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:20) And yet, there is also another very important character that we sometimes forget about, who is also watching our lives, waiting for a chance to have something to accuse us of, and waiting for a chance to slay us and destroy whatever ministry that God has placed us in; that character is non other than the devil, the prince of darkness. Paul makes this very clear in Ephesians 6:10-20, as he shows us the spiritual battle that we are in, and how those that come against us are not really the enemy, but the enemy is principalities, powers, rulers of spiritual darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places; all of which must be fought with spiritual weapons, such a prayer, the whole armor of God, and again, more prayer. Prayer is so vital for our lives, and for those whom we should be praying for; we can never pray enough, because as soon as the darkness is pushed back, it will seek a way to advance again. This whole notion of "pray and done" might work for little fleshly items, like employment, the right mate, or even a physical healing; but spiritual battles are always present and ongoing, and they require us to be continually on guard and in prayer. If we read this verse, Psalms 37:32, and relate what it says to the spiritual battle that we face, then we are sure to see how important it is to be ready... "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto Him, Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death. And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shall thrice deny that thou knowest Me." (Luke 22:31-34)